IELTS Writing Sample #73

Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy
them and replace them with modern buildings?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

You should write at least 250 words.

model answer:

Some people think that old, historic buildings are no need for the city and they
should be destroyed and replaced with modern ones. However, other people believe
that historic buildings must be preserved in order to know and remember our
past. For several reasons that I will mention bellow I agree with those people
who want to preserve old, historical buildings.

First of all, by preserving historical buildings we pass our history to our
future generations. I think that out children should know their history, learn
from it and respect it. People need to know their traditions and customs, which
are priceless and irreplaceable. Our history is our knowledge and power. From my
opinion we need to preserve and restore historical buildings. By destroying them
we show our disrespect to our forefathers and their traditions.

Second of all, by preserving historical buildings a city can attract many
travelers. Welcoming tourists a city can get many benefits including money,
which can be spent on preserving historical buildings as well as on improving
roads and facilities.

Also, many tourists mean a lot of new business opportunities. Another important
aspect of this is that businessmen will be willing to build new recreational
centers, hotels, movie theaters, shopping centers to make a city more attractive
for travelers. In addition to those practical benefits, many people will have
the opportunity to get a job. All this is good for the economy of the city.

To sum up, I believe that preserving old, historical buildings can bring only
benefits to a city and all humankind.